CARMEL, Ind. -

When it comes to financials, dealers want partners who understand the auto business inside and out.

Now, a new educational program from lending products provider NextGear Capital is training its field representatives to be those knowledgeable partners.  

On Wednesday, NextGear Capital announced the creation of its Ambassador Program, which will provide certified training modules developed with industry experts, to further develop NextGear’s field representatives’ dealership business and industry knowledge.

"We care about our dealers’ success and know that they want a partner that understands their business," said NextGear Capital president Brian Geitner.

"By furthering our educational platform with various industry experts, our field representatives will gain expert knowledge and become ambassadors to the industry, allowing us to continue fostering consultative relationships with our dealers to ensure they remain successful," he said.

As part of the Ambassador Program, NextGear Capital said it is providing dealer training through various state independent automotive dealer associations.

The company is nearing the completion of its first ambassador training module, which is based on the NIADA's Certified Master Dealer program.

Developed in 2001, that program helps dealers manage their businesses with an emphasis on business planning, human resources, merchandising and financial management.

Led by Joe Lescota, NIADA director of dealer development, all NextGear Capital field representatives obtained certification through Northwood University upon completion of the two-day course.

"NIADA and NextGear Capital share the belief that an educated dealer is a successful dealer,” said Steve Jordan, executive vice president of NIADA. "As such, we were naturally excited to work with the NextGear Capital leadership to evolve the NIADA Certified Master Dealer program with them.

"NextGear Capital is known for building high-touch, consultative relationships with auto dealers and we feel this 'partnership in education' will have enormous benefit to our dealers long-term," he said.